Motherboard Upgrade Information

[Degrastic]

Hello, I'm looking to possibly upgrade my HP a6200n desktop and would like to start with a new motherboard and then a new processor. I was told my current motherboard (MCP61PM-HM (Nettle2) motherboard) would only support a 2.9 GHz processor, so I'm hoping to get one powerful enough to let me upgrade my CPU significantly and then ultimately upgrade my graphics card as well. If you have any advice on this it would really be appreciated (the motherboard, processor and/or graphics card upgrade choices or suggestions would be great).

I know a bit about computers but not nearly enough to know what parts to buy and which would be most cost-effective and performance-effective. Thank you in advance.

Also, if needed here is a link that shows my computer specs:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01151591&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=3548643#N166

I did upgrade it a few times however. The current ram is 6gb, PSU is 650W Antec, Windows 7 64 bit, and the graphics card is a Radeon HD 3800.

 

[geekapproved]

You would need a motherboard, cpu, ram and video card.

What's your budget and what do you use the computer for?

 

[Degrastic]

Honestly I don't have a clue what any of that would cost so I'd say maybe 500? But I'd be open to anything that's not too crazy expensive. I primarily use it for schoolwork and browsing sites but I'd like it to be a bit better for gaming which is the reason I want to upgrade.

 

[geekapproved]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115073
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157271
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161389&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10440897&PID=404255&SID=234298

$485 plus there's$20 rebate on the video card. You can pick up 8GB of DDR3 for $20-30.

If you want to spend less, I'll tell you the i3-2120 ($130) and a H61 mobo ($59) would be 5x faster than what you have now and they outperform the Phenom II quad cores in gaming.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115077
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157241

 

[Degrastic]

Thank you so much, that's exactly the type of information I was hoping for.

If I may ask one more question, are the motherboards and processors difficult to install? I definitely appreciate all of your help.

 

[geekapproved]

Anything can be difficult your first time. Just make sure you use a standoff for every hole in the motherboard. Don't work on or near carpet, only touch your components on the edges, don't touch chips or capacitors, etc.

Also make sure you touch your psu to release any static that might be on your body before you touch each component to install.

Processors you just line it up, and drop it in carefully then close the clamp. There is a triangle in one corner of the cpu that you need to line up with the triangle on the socket. The Intel heatsink can be difficult if you have never done it before, just follow the directions carefully and don't forget to remove the plastic from the bottom before installing it on the cpu.

 

[Degrastic]

Again, thank you sincerely for your assistance. I've done research and think I should be able to handle it. I already know about the static electricity risks and ordered the anti static gloves but if they don't arrive in time I'm used to applying the grounded method of using the power supply as a ground. Your advice here definitely clears things up a bit though and you've been extremely helpful all around.

Thank you and best wishes to you in your future and everything you attempt to accomplish.